Southeast of the North Sea, a fully laden fleet raced through the wind and waves.
Amid the stormy seas, the fleet's Great Shopkeeper emerged from deep within the cabin and casually sent out several Talisman Signals.
Whenever such a large fleet set out, scouts were dispatched both above and below the water to guard the sea routes. They were generally Mystic Palace Realm martial artists.
Very quickly, replies came back from the scouts. Everything was normal.
After receiving the Talisman Signals, the fleet's Great Shopkeeper nodded in satisfaction. As he returned to the cabin, he glanced once more at the North Sea Prefecture Duke's Mansion sea flag flying high from the bow.
This sea-pass flag had cost one hundred thousand High-grade Spirit Stones, and another one hundred thousand High-grade Spirit Stones had to be paid every year. It was expensive, but worth every bit of it.
It was precisely this sea-pass flag that had made this trade route incomparably safe, turning it into a true merchant route.
"Pass down the order: once we return to the Marquisate of Haiyuan from this voyage, every man will receive an additional reward of one thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones."
At the Great Shopkeeper's shout, the sailors and guards erupted in cheers.
The Great Shopkeeper was even more pleased. Once this ship returned, he might be promoted to a steward within the estate.
At that very moment, a huge wave crashed down, rocking the ship violently and making the Great Shopkeeper, who was about to return to his cabin, stagger. His head slammed hard against the edge of the cabin door.
A sharp-eyed guard hurriedly helped him up. With his forehead throbbing in pain, the Great Shopkeeper began cursing, "Damn it, how are you steering this ship? Keep it stea—Bang!"
Another massive wave struck. Seawater